Lazio · 26 Places · Best April-June and September-October
Lazio is Italy's most historically rich region, home to Rome — the Eternal City — as well as ancient ruins, medieval hilltowns, volcanic lakes, and a stunning Tyrrhenian coastline. From the Colosseum to the vineyards of the Castelli Romani and the thermal baths of Viterbo, Lazio offers an unparalleled blend of art, history, nature, and cuisine.
Lazio stretches from the Apennine mountains to the Tyrrhenian Sea, centered on Rome — one of the world's greatest cities. Beyond Rome, the region rewards exploration with Etruscan necropolises, Renaissance gardens at Tivoli, pristine beaches at Sperlonga and Gaeta, volcanic crater lakes, and hilltop villages like Civita di Bagnoregio. The local cuisine features hearty Roman classics such as cacio e pepe, carbonara, and supplì, accompanied by wines from the Frascati and Cesanese appellations.
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The 26 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
The iconic 2,000-year-old amphitheater is Rome's most visited monument and a symbol of Imperial Roman engineering genius. Built between 70-80 AD, it once held up to 80,000 spectators watching gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. The underground hypogeum and upper tiers are accessible with premium tickets.
One of the world's greatest museum complexes housing an incomparable collection of art accumulated by the Catholic Church over centuries. The highlight is Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling fresco in the Sistine Chapel, while the galleries contain Egyptian antiquities, Greek sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces and the Raphael Rooms. Plan at least 3-4 hours.
The world's largest church and the spiritual center of Roman Catholicism, topped by Michelangelo's magnificent dome offering panoramic views over Rome and Vatican City. The basilica contains Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's spectacular baldachin and the tombs of numerous popes. Entry to the basilica is free; a fee applies for the dome climb.
Rome's most famous fountain, a dazzling Baroque masterpiece designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762. Neptune commands a shell-shaped chariot drawn by sea horses amid cascading water and rococo statues. Legend says tossing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand ensures your return to Rome.
The political, commercial and religious heart of ancient Rome, stretching beside the Colosseum in a vast archaeological park. The Forum's temples, triumphal arches and basilicas recall the grandeur of the Republic and Empire, while Palatine Hill above holds the ruins of imperial palaces with sweeping views over the city.
The best-preserved ancient Roman building in the world, built around 125 AD by Emperor Hadrian. Its unreinforced concrete dome, with a central oculus open to the sky, remains an engineering marvel over 1,900 years later. The interior houses tombs of Renaissance painter Raphael and Italian kings.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
One of Rome's most iconic five-star hotels, occupying a neoclassical building near Piazza del Popolo with a stunning terraced garden. The hotel features Michelin-starred dining, a world-class spa and sumptuous rooms decorated with bold Mediterranean colours.
Check rates on Booking.comA 17th-century palazzo transformed into a sophisticated boutique hotel in the Prati neighbourhood, featuring a rooftop pool with views toward Vatican City. Elegant rooms blend historic architecture with contemporary Italian design.
Check rates on Booking.comA magical boutique hotel occupying a medieval building above the Roman Forum, offering private terrace rooms with direct views over ancient ruins. Only 12 rooms make this an intimate and exclusive retreat at the heart of ancient Rome.
Check rates on Booking.comA grand dame of Roman luxury hotels perched on the Via Veneto hill with panoramic views across Rome's skyline. The La Terrazza rooftop restaurant is one of Rome's most celebrated, and rooms exude timeless elegance.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
A beloved Trastevere institution serving quintessential Roman cuisine with market-fresh ingredients and no pretension. Famous for its cacio e pepe, rigatoni alla gricia and offal dishes beloved by both locals and discerning visitors.
Part deli, part trattoria and part wine bar, Roscioli is a Rome institution near Campo de' Fiori serving exceptional Roman classics alongside an outstanding cheese and salumi counter and one of the city's best wine lists.
A stylish all-day brasserie near the Pantheon with a stunning Art Deco interior, serving everything from breakfast to late-night cocktails with an excellent selection of Roman and national dishes.
Built into the ancient Monte Testaccio (a hill made of Roman amphora shards), this beloved Testaccio trattoria serves impeccably authentic Roman cucina with a particular focus on offal and slow-cooked meats.
The best place in Rome to eat supplì — the iconic fried rice balls stuffed with tomato sauce and mozzarella — freshly made throughout the day in Trastevere. Long queues at lunchtime testify to their excellence.
An elegant seafood restaurant in the heart of Rome near Campo de' Fiori, with a beautiful outdoor terrace opening onto a quiet piazza. Excellent fresh fish preparations and a superb wine list in a refined setting.
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Lazio is well-connected by air via two Rome airports, and Rome itself has metro, bus and tram networks. Regional trains and COTRAL buses link Rome to all major Lazio towns.
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25 | €85 | €250 |
| Food (per day) | €18 | €45 | €100 |
| Transportation | €7 | €10 | €30 |
| Activities | €5 | €10 | €20 |
| Daily total | €55 | €150 | €400+ |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Lazio.
Keep bags zipped and worn crossbody across your body, with the bag on the building side of the sidewalk (not road side where moped snatchers operate)
Be especially vigilant at the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Vatican and on Metro Line A — these are Rome's highest pickpocket areas
Only use licensed taxis (white cars with TAXI sign and meter) — agree on fixed rates for airport trips before entering the car
Avoid 'gladiators' outside the Colosseum — costumed men who charge €10-30 for a photo; decline firmly
Be wary of 'friendship bracelets' — people who forcibly tie a string on your wrist then demand payment
Rose sellers in restaurants will place roses on your table; you are not obligated to accept or pay
Never leave bags visible in parked cars — Lazio has a significant problem with smash-and-grab theft from vehicles
If driving in Rome, do not enter the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) zones without a valid permit — you will receive an automatic fine of €60-120
Carry a photocopy of your passport when sightseeing; leave the original in the hotel safe
Be cautious on crowded Metro trains, especially when boarding and alighting — pickpockets work in groups using distraction techniques
Avoid isolated areas of Rome (under bridges, dark alleyways) late at night, especially near Termini station
Water from Rome's street fountains (nasoni) is safe to drink — ignore people who try to sell you 'special' fountain water
Restaurants are required to give you an itemised receipt (ricevuta fiscale) — always ask for it and check for added charges
Emergency number 112 works throughout Italy and Lazio for police, ambulance and fire
Lazio and Rome are generally safe destinations with low violent crime rates. The primary concern for tourists is non-violent petty theft — particularly pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and on public transport — which affects a disproportionately high number of visitors. Emergency services: police at 113 (State Police) or 112 (emergency), medical at 118 (ambulance) or 112.
The best time to visit Lazio is April-June and September-October. Lazio has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. Rome rarely experiences snow and temperatures stay above 5°C even in January. The coastal areas (Sperlonga
Entry requirements follow Italy/Schengen rules. EU/EEA citizens need only a valid ID; most non-EU visitors may stay up to 90 days without a visa under the Schengen agreement. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Lazio is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Lazio: Italian. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Lazio include Colosseum, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Trevi Fountain, and Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.
